On The Market--A Shope Reno Wharton Masterpiece on Kiawah Island

In a few weeks, I will be joining my family for a week at the beach. This will be the fourth or fifth summer that we've spent our vacation at a modest four-bedroom ocean front beach house on a small North Carolina island that has been spared over-development. It promises to be a week of relaxation, and one I am very much looking forward to. Naturally, this upcoming vacation has me thinking about beach houses, and one of the places that has some of the best is Kiawah Island, SC. We've spent many vacations there over the years, and I love to take a leisurely bike ride through the far end of the island and just admire the incredible architecture. The island is chock full of exquisite homes whose details and craftsmanship clearly indicate that cost was no factor in their construction. Some of the giants of architecture and interior design have worked on Kiawah homes, including Shope Reno Wharton, who designed this $29 million estate that is currently on the market:

An aerial view. Many of Kiawah's homes are nestled into the lush landscape, not slapped right on the beach.

*Swoons* There are many homes on the island that feature naturally weathered cedar shakes with black or very dark green trim. It's a gorgeous look.

Another look outside. Love that black pergola!

A look up at one of the house's stairways. Beautiful gray green on a chippendale style railing.

I love how the design team tempered elements that could be very formal with more casual ones for a perfectly elegant beach retreat. Jackye Lanham of Atlanta was responsible for the interiors.

The dark hand planed walnut floors really anchor the rooms.

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Check out the light fixtures in the hallway--a modified version of old fisherman's lamps!

I love a rotunda! And check out the woodwork--stunning.

What a wonderful sunroom!

Wow! Bright and open kitchen space. I'm drawn to the ceiling-height cabinetry.

We always like to have a few bottles of wine on hand at the beach. With this gorgeous wine cellar, that shouldn't be a problem.

A groin vaulted master bedroom with a stunning arch and clerestory dormer.

A copper tub looks out on the marsh. The octagonal tiles are a timeless choice.

"His" bath is decidedly masculine, and appears to have a sauna.

While this masterpiece isn't what I would want for a beach house, it's certainly a beautifully designed space with a one-of-a-kind location. For those who have almost 30 million dollars to spend on a retreat, this one would definitely be a tranquil and calming place to get away from it all.

(all photos taken from current listings)

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